Exam: Wednesday, May 5, 2027 (morning)

AP English Literature and Composition

Everything for the AP English Literature and Composition exam on Wednesday, May 5, 2027 (morning): the official units and how much each is worth, the exam format, how long the exam is, how to study, and a free week-by-week study plan.

Days you can study

We suggest about 8–12 weeks before the exam, alongside your class. Your settings are saved in this browser.

Your AP Lit study plan

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Set up your AP Lit plan in the free StudyCoach Study Planner with every section and topic ready. It schedules daily tasks to your test date, tracks your progress and streak, and adds reminders to your calendar.

What's on the AP English Literature and Composition exam

AP Lit sections, questions and timing
SectionQuestionsTime
Section I: Multiple choice55 questions in 5 sets1 hour (45%)
Section II: Free response3 essays2 hours (55%)

The three essays are a poetry analysis, a prose fiction analysis and a literary argument about a work you choose.

Estimate your AP Lit scoreEnter your practice test points and see your estimated AP score from 1 to 5.

AP Lit units

  1. Unit 1: Short Fiction I
  2. Unit 2: Poetry I
  3. Unit 3: Longer Fiction or Drama I
  4. Unit 4: Short Fiction II
  5. Unit 5: Poetry II
  6. Unit 6: Longer Fiction or Drama II
  7. Unit 7: Short Fiction III
  8. Unit 8: Poetry III
  9. Unit 9: Longer Fiction or Drama III

AP Lit units aren't weighted on the exam; they build reading and writing skills that every question uses.

How to study for the AP English Literature and Composition exam

  1. Read widely and know 3–4 works wellThe literary argument asks you to choose a work. Know a few novels or plays deeply, with specific details.
  2. Write timed essays regularlyForty minutes per essay goes quickly; practise planning and writing on a timer.
  3. Build your thesis skillsA clear, defensible thesis about meaning is the foundation of every essay score.
  4. Practise poetry mostMany students find poetry hardest; practise reading and analysing poems often.

How long should you study for the AP English Literature and Composition exam?

The AP English Literature and Composition exam takes 3 hours. For studying, we suggest steady review alongside your class through the year, then about 8–12 weeks of focused exam preparation at 3–5 hours a week before Wednesday, May 5, 2027.

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AP Lit study plan FAQs

When is the AP Lit exam in 2027?

The AP English Literature and Composition exam is on Wednesday, May 5, 2027 (morning), according to College Board's 2027 AP Exam schedule. Your AP coordinator confirms the time and room.

How long is the AP Lit exam?

The exam takes 3 hours: multiple choice (55 questions in 5 sets, 1 hour (45%)); free response (3 essays, 2 hours (55%)).

Is AP Lit hard?

AP Lit asks for close reading and analytical writing under time pressure. Students who read regularly and practise timed essays all year do best.

What units are on the AP Lit exam?

The course has 9 units: 1. Short Fiction I; 2. Poetry I; 3. Longer Fiction or Drama I; 4. Short Fiction II; 5. Poetry II; 6. Longer Fiction or Drama II; 7. Short Fiction III; 8. Poetry III; 9. Longer Fiction or Drama III.

How do I study for AP Lit?

Read widely and know 3–4 works well. Write timed essays regularly. Build your thesis skills. Practise poetry most. Use the free study plan above to spread your review across every unit before the exam.

More AP subjects

Free practice tests for every unit:

Guides and study plans:

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StudyCoach isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations that make the AP English Literature and Composition exam (AP® is a trademark of College Board). Check the official website for test dates, registration and the latest format.

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